If you run a business in Delaware, chances are you’ll hear the term Certificate of Good Standing sooner rather than later. Sometimes called a Certificate of Status or Certificate of Existence, this official document is issued by the Delaware Secretary of State and serves as proof that your company is compliant with state requirements. In simple terms, it confirms that your corporation or LLC is up to date on franchise taxes and has filed all required annual reports with the Division of Corporations.
To obtain a Certificate of Good Standing, your business must be active and in good standing—meaning no unpaid taxes or missed filings. While standard processing usually takes a few business days, Delaware also offers expedited options if you need the certificate quickly. Signed and sealed by the Secretary of State, this document is often essential when expanding your business, opening bank accounts, or entering into contracts.
In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Delaware Certificates of Good Standing, including why they matter, when you need one, and exactly how to obtain one. Keep reading to get all the details and ensure your business stays compliant.
Delaware Certificate of Good Standing
The Delaware certificate of good standing is a proof-of-existence document. It simply implies that your company, whether an LLC or a corporation, has paid all of its taxes and dues in the state of Delaware as of the present date. The Delaware Secretary of State signs the document, which confirms that your firm is in good standing or active status in the state as of the date of signing. In Delaware, it is commonly issued as a ‘Certificate of Status/Good Standing.’ In other states, similar documents may be called a Certificate of Existence, Certificate of Status, or Standing Certificate.
Why do you need a certificate of good standing in Delaware?
You may need a Certificate of Good Standing to open a corporate bank account, buy or sell real estate, secure a loan, obtain a Certificate of Authority to operate in another state, or merge with another corporation. Many banks and state agencies require that the certificate be relatively recent (often issued within the last 30–60 days, though some may allow up to 90 days). The exact ‘age’ requirement depends on the institution or jurisdiction. If that period has passed, you might be asked to obtain a new Certificate of Good Standing. Because the certificate is time-sensitive, it’s best to order it only when you actually need it.
What business entities can obtain a Delaware certificate of good standing?
A Certificate of Good Standing is available to businesses that have registered with the Delaware Secretary of State. Corporations, LLCs, LLPs, limited partnerships, and other state-registered formations are among them. If you own a Delaware corporation or limited liability company (LLC), you may need a Certificate of Good Standing (CGS) from the Delaware Secretary of State’s Division of Corporations at some point. It’s confirmation that your company is open for business and following state regulations. We’ll go over some scenarios when you could require this, as well as how to get it. But it’s not just about adhering to the rules. In some states, the CGS (also known as a Certificate of Existence or Status) is proof that your business exists. It’s essentially a “business passport” for LLCs and corporations, and it comes with a slew of advantages for developing companies.
Obtaining Delaware Certificate of Good Standing
This document is essential for several critical business functions. A CGS is often required to expand into other states and may also be needed to open business bank accounts, secure financing, establish partnerships, win contracts, and renew permits. Below, we outline the steps required to obtain a CGS.
How to get a certificate of good standing in Delaware?
To begin, you must confirm that your company is fully compliant with state requirements. If there are any outstanding tax obligations, the state will not issue a CGS. Likewise, a corporation or LLC that has not filed its Delaware annual report will be ineligible to receive a CGS. Once compliance has been verified, you can proceed with submitting the required legal documents. These records can be obtained by visiting Delaware’s Division of Corporations at 401 Federal Street in Dover, Delaware.
You can also submit requests online through the Delaware Division of Corporations’ document/certificate request services and pay by credit card. Alternatively, you may mail a completed Certification Request Memo, along with payment, to the Division of Corporations. Unless you supply the state with a FedEx or UPS account number, your request will be sent via first-class mail.
When filling out your form, keep in mind that it must be accurate. Your certificate must be valid for the purpose for which it was issued. The document will be mailed back to you, complete with the Delaware Secretary of State’s printed great seal. Business identity number and verification code are printed on the certificate, which can be viewed on the state’s official website.
Steps to obtain the Delaware certificate
- On the Web –You can check a company’s corporate or entity status online. It’s important to note that this option does not generate an official Certificate of Good Standing. For $10 per entity, you can obtain a basic status report. For $20 per entity, you can access more detailed information, including the current franchise tax assessment, filing history, and additional records. You can make a purchase using a Visa, MasterCard, or Discover card. These online status reports are provided for informational purposes only and are not considered official Certificates of Good Standing. That means they are typically not accepted by banks, lenders, or other states.
- Certified Certificate of Status – You can order a Certificate of Status or a Certificate of Good Standing from the Division of Corporations by submitting a written request. A short-form certificate of status costs $50.00. It includes the entity’s name and status at the time the certificate is issued. Long-form certificate of Good Standing costs $175.00. It lists all documents filed, including the dates and times, any name changes, and the status at the time the certificate is issued.
How much does a Delaware certificate of good standing cost?
According to the current Delaware fee schedule, a short-form Certificate of Status/Good Standing is $50 per certificate (domestic or foreign). A domestic long-form Certificate of Good Standing is $175 per certificate. Fees are subject to change. Special certificates (for example, certificates referencing a merger or name change) are typically $50 per certificate, plus applicable expedited fees
Get Your Delaware Certificate of Good Standing!
Maintaining compliance can be a challenge. There is a lot of paperwork, administrative, and on-the-ground business concerns in the first year of the company. Having a knowledgeable partner, such as IncParadise, taking care of your business compliance is beneficial. We maintain track of warnings and notifications as part of our worry-free compliance package, so you can focus on your business. We can assist you with annual report deadlines, modifications, and additional files, as well as alerts and notifications, with our worry-free compliance solution.
Last updated: January 2026
